A real-life example of a seawall is the Constantinople Sea Walls (also known as the Theodosian Walls), a historic structure built to protect the city of Constantinople (now Istanbul).
More Examples and Information About Seawalls
Seawalls are coastal defense structures designed to protect areas of human habitation, conservation, and recreation from the actions of the sea and extreme weather events like storms and tsunamis. They can vary significantly in design and materials depending on the specific location and the forces they need to withstand. Here are a few more examples of real-life seawalls:
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Alaskan Way Seawall (Seattle, Washington, USA): Reconstructed in recent years, this seawall protects downtown Seattle from Puget Sound and supports critical infrastructure.
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Sea Bright-Monmouth Beach Seawall (New Jersey, USA): This is a long seawall system designed to protect the towns of Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach from coastal erosion and storm surges along the Atlantic Ocean.
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Gold Coast Seawall (Queensland, Australia): A series of seawalls protect the popular Gold Coast beaches from erosion, especially during cyclones and other severe weather events.
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The Galveston Seawall (Texas, USA): Built after the devastating 1900 storm, this seawall protects the city of Galveston from hurricane storm surges.
Key Functions of a Seawall:
- Erosion Control: Prevents the land behind it from being washed away by wave action and currents.
- Flood Protection: Acts as a barrier against storm surges and rising sea levels.
- Infrastructure Support: Often supports roads, buildings, and other infrastructure located along the coastline.
While effective at protecting coastlines, seawalls can also have negative environmental impacts, such as altering natural sediment transport and affecting marine habitats. Sustainable coastal management often involves considering a range of solutions, including natural defenses like beach nourishment and dune restoration, alongside or in place of traditional seawalls.
